Barry David Sanders (born July 16, 1968 in Wichita, Kansas) is a former American football running back in the NFL who spent his entire professional career with the Detroit Lions.

Biography

---

Barry Sanders was born to William and Shirley Ann Sanders in Wichita, Kansas. His first attempt at running back didn't come until the fourth game of his senior year (1985) at Wichita High School North. In the final seven games of the season, he rushed for 1,322 yards. Standing at just 5 feet 8 inches, most college coaches thought he was too small. Recruited as a kick returner, Sanders spent his first two years at Oklahoma State University as a backup for All-American Running Back Thurman Thomas. He called it a "great experience". "I could study the great approach to the game that ^* had." In his junior year, Sanders went on to lead the nation in rushing yards (2,628), total yards (3,250), touchdowns (39) and scoring (234 points) en route to winning the 1988 Heisman Trophy. His rushing yards and touchdowns in that year still stand (quite easily) as NCAA single season records. Rather than try to set more records as a senior, Sanders declared himself eligible for the NFL draft and left OSU as the team's all time leading scorer with 330 points (55 touchdowns). In 2003, Sanders was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame.

Professional career

The Detroit Lions selected Barry Sanders third overall with their 1st-round pick in the 1989 draft. Though again there were concerns about his size it turned out that these concerns were mostly unfounded. Sanders was far too quick for defenders to hit solidly on a consistent basis, and too strong to bring down with arm tackles. Though short, Sanders was very stocky -- his playing weight of 200 pounds was in fact the same as Walter Payton and only slightly under the NFL average for a back. Further, Sanders was able to dazzle onlookers at an ESPN slam-dunk contest by jamming comfortably from a flat footed position demonstrating his other defining characteristic -- explosiveness. This, combined with his low center of gravity allowed remarkably quick starts and stops -- he was notorious for sometimes running the full width of the field to gain only a yard on a play then, on the next, suddenly breaking through a hole for a long gain. Also of note was his on-field humility. Despite his flashy playing style, Sanders was rarely seen celebrating after the whistle was blown. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he would usually finish a touchdown run or catch by simply handing the ball to the nearest official.

More on [ Barry Sanders ]

Sanders, Barry - Twitter Search

Brendan with Barry Sanders, Jr. http://twitpic.com/tdzkp
jhailos (John Hail) Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:59:03 -0000
Brendan with Barry Sanders, Jr. http://twitpic.com/tdzkp
@LATimesfarmer I wonder if @OGOchoCinco calls that TD "celebration" the Barry Sanders or "trying to avoid a $50,000 fine"...
SnapTheJap (Sean Sakimae) Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:23:08 -0000
@LATimesfarmer I wonder if @OGOchoCinco calls that TD "celebration" the Barry Sanders or "trying to avoid a $50,000 fine"...
@DJMarvalous #Pickone Adrian Peterson or Barry Sanders <<<<<<
djDOP3Y (Lance Pryor ) Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:11:23 -0000
@DJMarvalous #Pickone Adrian Peterson or Barry Sanders <<<<<<<WUT BARRY ALL DAY!
Kevin smith you are not barry sanders
Birchov (Birchov) Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:07:34 -0000
Kevin smith you are not barry sanders
Kevin Smith tried to channel his inner Barry Sanders, but ends up losing 3 yards.
JayScott1914 (Jason S. Smith) Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:06:58 -0000
Kevin Smith tried to channel his inner Barry Sanders, but ends up losing 3 yards.
#pickone Barry Sanders or Deion Sanders.....tuff one. #fact
AlcoholicDrinks (Jack Ass) Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:02:58 -0000
#pickone Barry Sanders or Deion Sanders.....tuff one. #fact

 

Subscribe to Sanders,_Barry RSS feed